If you’re moving to Arizona, you will likely find a number of pleasant surprises. The weather is certainly one of them, with sunny skies as far as the eye can see. While the summers do tend to heat up a bit, you can certainly jump in the pool, read a good book, or hit one of the shopping centers for some retail therapy. Some families like to venture outside of the city to experience all this beautiful state has to offer. Here are a few of our favorite day trips from Phoenix.

The best day trips from Phoenix

While living in Arizona, there are many great places you can visit, some of which are only a quick drive away. The locations on this list are (mostly) under two hours away and will be sure to satisfy your wanderlust.

Sedona

Sitting just two hours away from Phoenix, Sedona, often referred to as Red Rock Country, has a reputation for beauty among the many who visit the location on a yearly basis. Whether you’re looking to visit Oak Creek Canyon, get in some hiking, rummage through the forests or you just want to hang out in a beautiful small town, Sedona has it all. You can take it all in during a single day trip or stay overnight – either way, you’ll have a great time during your visit.

Montezuma Castle

A true national monument, this giant rock structure has to be seen to be believed. It’s a true piece of Southwestern history, one that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. At about an hour plus drive away, it’s the kind of day trip that you absolutely must take while you reside in Arizona.

This is a must for history buffs and for anyone who appreciates great architecture, so make sure you take a look next time you are around. The twenty-story structure is filled with history that usually gets ignored in school, so you’ll get a great chance to learn more about this fantastic region.

The Grand Canyon

This one is cheating, as it is actually about four hours away from Phoenix. If you’re dedicated, though, making this eight hour round trip drive is worth every second. The best day trip for families and one of the best day trips you’ll ever take, the Grand Canyon is something that everyone must see at least once in his or her life. If you do this as a day trip, be aware that you’re not going to have time to take a burro to the bottom or to go camping – but you will be able to see the canyon in all of its glory.

Jerome

This old abandoned mining town turned art community is a fantastic trip for anyone who loves a good mix of culture and history. It’s very easy to see both the remnants of the town’s past as an Old West town and as an art commune in the sixties, and you’ll definitely find a bit of both when you come to visit. Jerome is also the best day trip for shopping, as you’ll find a great collection of eclectic shops all over the small town. It’s only a short drive away from Phoenix and it’s definitely worth your time.

Pima Air and Space Museum

If you love all the things that fly in the air, this is the museum for you. The Pima Air and Space Museum has a number of exhibits featuring over 150 air and spacecraft, as well as numerous exhibits about aviation and military history. The museum also offers a number of great presentations for kids that focus on STEM education. This is definitely a must-visit for families who have curious children.

Lake Pleasant

If you’re looking for the best day trip on the lake, you don’t have to go far from Vistancia. Just a short drive away is Lake Pleasant, one of the best spots to have outdoor fun near Phoenix. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a lazy day on the water or a chance to really embrace water sports – there’s something here for you. Since it’s so close, you can actually make Lake Pleasant a regular part of your summer experience.

The great part about being so close to Lake Pleasant is that you can really time your trips for whatever your personal preference might be. You can hit the lake earlier during the day to have fun in the water by renting a boat at one of the two marinas or come around sunset to experience a nice dinner on the lake at one of the two restaurants. Since Vistancia is right off the 303, it’s no trouble at all to get to the Lake on your schedule.

These are just a handful of the great areas you can visit when you’re in Phoenix. Whether you are looking to get in touch with nature, go shopping, or just get out of town, there’s something for you. With so many great places to visit in Arizona, you could spend a lifetime trying to see them all. For more information on great things to do in and around the Phoenix area, as well as the latest developments in the Vistancia Community be sure to sign up for the newsletter to stay updated.